A big, beautiful and sophisticated science fiction treat.

Rating: 9/10 (16 July 2013)

Guillermo del Toro gets it right with Pacific Rim, an action-packed science fiction film that seems familiar but, at the same time, original. This is a story about gigantic humanoid mecha (Jaegers) fighting colossal monsters (Kaiju). If you watch anime you may know that the plot is similar to a number of anime. The film, however, is a tribute to older anime and not a rip-off. Yes, it successfully captures the appeal, weirdness and style of giant robot anime in live-action form. In short, this is a film that many Japanese filmmakers wish they could make. And with the addition of excellent visual effects and a suitable cast Pacific Rim reaches heights that many anime viewers and nerds always wanted to see. Some reviewers compared Pacific Rim to Godzilla films but once you watch it it's clear that giant robot anime was the real inspiration, one of the most important being Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995) by director Hideaki Anno. The Kaiju are somewhat similar to the angels in Evangelion in their fighting abilities, size and the frequency of their appearance. Rinko Kikuchi's character Mako Mori is very much like Rei Ayanami; her behavior, her relationship with Raleigh Becket, her backstory, and of course her hair with blue highlights. The Jaegers too resemble the Evas. Then there's the action, which is tense and exciting and backed up with a good soundtrack by Ramin Djawadi. But there's no action overkill because del Toro also spent enough time on developing the characters. Charlie Hunnam does a fine job as the protagonist. Idris Elba and Charlie Day shine in their roles. When talking about Elba's character Stacker Pentecost del Toro said "he's doing penance for all humanity... Idris is one of those actors that is capable of embodying humanity, in almost like a Rodin sculpture-type, larger than life, almost like a Russian realism statue, you know, big hands, all the turmoil of humanity in his eyes." And, unlike many recent action blockbusters, Pacific Rim doesn't involve the American military. Del Toro is a self-described pacifist so he avoided making any kind of message that says war is good. In conclusion, Pacific Rim is the best blockbuster of this summer. I doubt that any other upcoming film will be better. It's a real success. Thankfully Guillermo del Toro was chosen to direct this $190 million project. It's some proof that once in a while Hollywood studios do spend money wisely. I easily recommend it.